Carjacking has always been one of the defining mechanics of the Grand Theft Auto series. In previous games, stealing a vehicle was usually straightforward: walk up to a car, pull the driver out, jump behind the wheel and drive away.
GTA 6 is set to make car theft far more detailed.
Rockstar Games appears to be adding different vehicle security systems, carjacking interactions, tracking devices and tools that could make stealing the right car an important part of planning a robbery. Instead of simply grabbing the nearest vehicle, players may need to think about the car’s security, whether it is parked or occupied, and how they will escape afterward.
Here’s everything we currently know about GTA 6 carjacking and vehicle theft.
How Carjacking Works in GTA 6
There appear to be two main ways to steal a vehicle in GTA 6: breaking into a parked car or taking a vehicle directly from a driver.
Both situations can involve different mechanics, meaning stealing a car may no longer be as simple as pressing a single button.
This change could make vehicle theft feel much more connected to GTA 6’s wider focus on realism and simulation, with Rockstar expanding the game’s interactive systems and gameplay mechanics.
Stealing Parked Cars in GTA 6
Breaking into a parked vehicle appears to require more than simply smashing a window.
Jason can reportedly use tools such as a slim jim to attempt to unlock certain vehicles. The process appears to involve a small lockpicking-style interaction rather than an instant animation.
However, the tool may not work on every vehicle.
The age, model and security system of a car could determine how easy it is to steal. Older vehicles may be vulnerable to traditional methods, while newer and more expensive cars could have additional security features.
That means players may have to identify the right vehicle before attempting to steal it.
GTA 6 Cars Can Have Tracking Devices
One of the biggest changes to vehicle theft is the possibility of GPS or tracking systems.
Stealing a vehicle doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve escaped cleanly. Some cars could have trackers that allow police to determine the vehicle’s location.
This creates a new problem for players.
Instead of simply driving away after stealing a valuable car, you may first need to find a way to disable its tracking system.
Based on the information currently available, some of the equipment required to bypass vehicle security may not be available from the beginning of the game. Players could need to progress through the story or complete other activities before gaining access to certain tools.
Speed Could Help You Escape Police Tracking
Another interesting reported detail is that speed could play a role in avoiding vehicle tracking.
If you drive quickly enough, police may have a harder time maintaining your location. Slowing down could potentially give law enforcement more opportunity to track the stolen vehicle.
That could make escaping in GTA 6 more dynamic than simply waiting for your wanted level to disappear.
The best getaway may not always be the fastest route. Players could have to balance speed, visibility and the security of the vehicle they’re driving.
How to Steal Occupied Cars in GTA 6
Taking a car from an NPC who is already driving it can also involve additional interaction.
Some vehicles may be unlocked, allowing Jason to approach the driver’s door and attempt to remove the person behind the wheel.
The process reportedly includes an interaction sequence where Jason fights with the driver before taking control of the vehicle.
Passengers could also attempt to stop the carjacking, adding another layer to the encounter.
However, taking the driver out doesn’t necessarily solve the problem. If the vehicle has a tracker, police could still potentially locate it after you’ve driven away.
GTA 6 Vehicle Security Could Make Every Car Different
One of the most interesting reported features is the ability to check a vehicle’s security systems.
The in-game Waink app can reportedly be used to scan vehicles and provide information about their security features. It may also show the cost of registering a vehicle as your own.
This could turn vehicle hunting into a much more strategic activity.
Instead of choosing a car simply because it looks fast or expensive, players could potentially check its security first and decide whether stealing it is worth the risk.
Police Can Impound Your Vehicle
GTA 6 may also introduce more consequences for abandoning your own vehicles while wanted by police.
According to the information currently available, if you leave one of your registered vehicles behind while being pursued, police could establish a perimeter around it.
Returning to the vehicle too quickly could therefore put Jason or Lucia straight back into danger.
If the vehicle remains there long enough, it could potentially be taken to an impound lot.
These consequences fit into GTA 6’s broader approach to crime and police systems, where the player’s actions can have effects beyond simply gaining a wanted level. You can read more about Rockstar’s reported GTA 6 criminal and tracking system in our previous article.
GTA 6 Could Change How Robberies Are Planned
The new carjacking mechanics could have a major impact on GTA 6 robberies.
In previous Grand Theft Auto games, players could often steal almost any suitable vehicle nearby and use it as a getaway car.
GTA 6 could make that much more complicated.
If the closest vehicle has strong security, contains a tracker or cannot be stolen with the tools you currently have, it may be a poor choice for an escape.
That means Jason and Lucia could need to prepare their getaway vehicle before starting a robbery.
For example, players could steal a suitable car in advance, park it near the target location and use it as an escape vehicle once the robbery is complete.
Getaway Cars Could Become Part of GTA 6 Strategy
This system could make planning a robbery much more important.
You might need to consider:
- Which vehicle you want to use as a getaway car
- Whether the vehicle has a tracker
- Whether you have the equipment needed to steal it
- How quickly the car can escape from police
- Where the vehicle should be parked
- Whether police could identify or locate it
- Whether you have another escape option if the plan fails
This could create more opportunities for unscripted situations during GTA 6 missions and robberies.
A simple car theft could potentially turn into an entire gameplay scenario.
GTA 6 Is Making Vehicle Theft More Detailed
The reported changes to carjacking are another example of how GTA 6 appears to be expanding the systems that players have taken for granted throughout the series.
Vehicles are no longer simply transportation. Their security, tracking technology and accessibility could all influence how useful they are.
For players who enjoy planning robberies, escaping police and experimenting with GTA’s open-world mechanics, the new system could add another layer of depth to the game.
Rockstar has not revealed every detail surrounding GTA 6’s vehicle theft mechanics, so some of these features could change before launch.
But if the reported systems make it into the final game, stealing a car in GTA 6 could be far more complicated—and far more rewarding—than it was in previous Grand Theft Auto games.